Country superstar Toby Keith called in to Anderson Cooper's talk show on CNN Monday night (May 20) to talk about the deadly tornado that struck his hometown of Moore, Okla. earlier in the day.

The storm tore through the community and wreaked havoc, striking two elementary schools and leaving behind a death toll of at least 24, according to the most recent press accounts.

"My sister's house got hit," Keith revealed. "It's a mile north of my mother's house and the farm where I was raised." The singer added that he could see the storm building when he flew out of Oklahoma on Monday bound for Nashville, where he is recording an album. Instead of making music, he spent much of the day in the studio helplessly watching the terrible events unfold.

"Hometown got hit for the gazillionth time. Rise again Moore Oklahoma. Godspeed. Prayin - T," the singer tweeted Monday afternoon, later adding, "This storm has devastated the community that I grew up in. I rode my bike through those neighborhoods. I have family and friends in Moore. My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much. But Moore is strong and we will persevere. God be with you all. "

The heartbroken singer told Cooper that the news was "just devastating. There's been so many tornadoes come through there, but I don't even remember one hitting the elementary school square on the button like this one did -- that's devastating."

He added that as bad as the news was, it could have been even worse. "Oklahoma's really good -- great meteorologists, great weather centers. They prepare you for this," the singer explained. "The numbers could be much, much higher. It's devastating to see this count, because it usually isn't this high."

President Obama has declared a state of disaster in Oklahoma. The American Red Cross is currently collecting money to aid the victims of the tornado. Donors can make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. For more information on how to help, visit this link.